Shay A

9.4

Annual birthday WWC hosting. As normal, 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds, 1 dessert, all presented blind.

Here we are six years after my last ‘88 Montelena and I’m looking at my old review as if I wrote it about this current bottle! So bright and lively. Gorgeous deep ruby color (darker than the ‘88 Leoville Barton). There is a Christmas spice (maybe more mint-driven) aromatic with bing cherries and floral notes. Red fruit to the core with some spiced blackberries, earthy/herbal savoriness, great acidity and a snappy/youthful finish. Cedar and espresso. Held strong over a few hours open. Not falling off a cliff, but don’t miss this window if you have some! — 6 days ago

Nathan Renfro

9.5

Slightly floral nose. Dark ruby. Black fruit forward, cassis, black cherry, graphite, pencil shavings, forest floor, lot of flavor going on. Soft chalky tannins give a lovely mouthfeel. Nice long enveloping finish. Fantastic second wine! — 14 days ago

Bill Mowry

9.1

Took a while to open up but once it did it was very nice. Dark berries and blueberries with some noticeable acid and tannins. Could be laid down for many more years. — a month ago

Pooneet K

9.2

Quite a nice montelena - and birth year to boot! Had with some Allen bros wagyu ribeyes, which honestly were too gratuitous, wouldn’t purchase again.

Would have guessed this was older Bordeaux from the nose, which is a high compliment. Decanted 2 hours and took it fine - the tannins are still quite there. But the fruit is secondary and quite seamless in a nice way. Finish maybe slightly lacking some depth which would make this higher - but overall very good. — 11 days ago

Jeffrey Woo

9.1

Light golden hue. Aromas of almond, apple, citrus, peach, pear, yeast. Medium body with high acidity. Lengthy finish. Balanced and beautiful expression of Champagne-style sparkler from California. 100% Chardonnay. — 19 days ago

Chris Anton

9.1

Nice, young Zin… — 11 days ago

Paul T- Huntington Beach

9.9

Perfectly stored for a secondary market purchase.
Fabulous with Wagyu Fillet Mignon — 3 days ago

Bill Mowry

9.0

Anniversary lunch at Terry’s in Carmel. This Blanc de Blanc was delicious with small bubbles, low alcohol, dry yeasty tastes and flavors of lemon and pair. — 9 days ago

with Lou

Kapyrick Wine

9.2

v14. Consistently very nice.. soft smoked meat nose. Fresh, rich, deep blackberry fruit. Soft, chewy, peppery belt leather finish. So good!!!! — 20 days ago

Brian S

9.5

Tertiary on the nose, black soil, coffee, chocolate, charred barrel, a touch hot, red and predominantly blue fruit in mouth, chalky mouthfeel. — a month ago